Hall channels World Cup snub to stake his claim for England's left-back slot under Tuchel

Lewis Hall has returned to the England squad for the current international break with a point to prove, telling reporters that missing out on the World Cup squad this summer has sharpened rather than deflated his ambition.

The Newcastle left-back has started the club season in strong form, earning an immediate recall from head coach Thomas Tuchel. Hall, who has also signed a new contract at Newcastle, is targeting the England left-back berth as his own.

“I’m using that frustration,” Hall said. “I think anyone who was not in the squad is going to be disappointed. I think everyone will be doing the same to try and get themselves back in the squad.”

Hall was measured in how he framed the competition for places, describing it as healthy rather than bitter. “Whenever you’re in the squad, ultimately you’ve got the shirt — you’ve got to do what you can to keep it. When you’re not in the squad, you’ve got to do what you can to try and take it off other people. That’s what everyone describes as healthy competition, and that’s important to pushing the team forward.”

The 20-year-old looks set to feature against the Czech Republic after Nico O’Reilly emerged as an injury doubt. The fixture carries extra significance given that Tuchel handed Hall his senior debut during his time at Chelsea, meaning the player is well acquainted with what the Germany-born coach demands.

Hall revealed that Tuchel called him personally to deliver the World Cup omission, though he declined to detail what was said. Notably, he expressed understanding for the difficulty of that conversation from the manager’s perspective. “As much as it’s not a nice phone call for me to receive, I know it’s obviously tough for him, because he knows that it’s a dream for everyone to play in a World Cup,” Hall said.

Despite the setback, Hall said he watched every game of the tournament — a detail that underlines the hunger he is now channelling into his performances. With a new club contract signed and a recall already secured, he arrives at this camp in as strong a position as he has held at international level.

“I’m in the squad now, which I’m really grateful for,” he added. “When I do get an opportunity, I’m hoping that I can take it.”